Illinois

How to contact an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Stateville Correctional Center. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about Stateville Correctional Center
  5. Overview of Stateville Correctional Center
  6. Inmate services at Stateville Correctional Center

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center

You can use your phone or computer to send emails letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send an message, start by searching for an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Stateville Correctional Center

A great way to send love and support to loved one at Stateville Correctional Center is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Stateville Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Stateville Correctional Center

  1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

    If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Stateville Correctional Center.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to Stateville Correctional Center?

    You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

  3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center?
    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

    Securus messaging

    Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Stateville Correctional Center. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

    JPay

    Some county jails and state prisons may support for sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

    Smart Jail Mail

    You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Stateville Correctional Center. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

  4. What is the mailing address of Stateville Correctional Center?
    Mailing address:

    Stateville Correctional Center
    16830 IL-53
    Crest Hill , IL 60403
    (815) 727-3607

    Business hours:
    • Monday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    • Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    • Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    • Thursday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    • Friday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    • Saturday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    • Sunday: 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Overview of Stateville Correctional Center

Stateville Correctional Center is a maximum-security prison located in Crest Hill, Illinois. It was established in 1923 and is known for its high-security measures and infrastructural design. The prison has a notorious reputation and is often considered one of the toughest prisons in the state of Illinois. The total prison area is 2.5 square miles and has a capacity of nearly 4800 inmates, with around 70% being violent offenders.

The prison is equipped with technologically advanced security systems such as 24/7 camera surveillance, metal detectors, and X-ray machines. In addition to this, Stateville has a unique architectural design with roundhouse-shaped cell blocks branching out like spokes from a central hub that allows for complete control and monitoring of the prison population.

Stateville Correctional Center is also well-known for its rehabilitation programs such as GED courses, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The prison prioritizes the reintegration of inmates into society by providing them with the necessary life skills, education, and training. Despite this, Stateville has been criticized for instances of serious inmate mistreatment, poor mental health facilities, and inadequate medical services.

For the families of inmates, the prison offers various resources for visitation such as online scheduling, shuttle services, and overnight accommodations. Nonetheless, the significant distance from the urban region limits community engagement opportunities.

Overall, Stateville Correctional Center serves as a critical facility in the criminal justice system of Illinois, with its advanced security and promising rehabilitation programs

What services are provided by Stateville Correctional Center?

Stateville Correctional Center in Illinois is one of the largest maximum-security prisons in the state. It provides various programs and services aimed at reducing recidivism and treating the physical and mental health needs of its incarcerated population. One of these services is educational programming. The prison offers Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Educational Development (GED) classes to help inmates obtain their high school equivalency diplomas. Additionally, the Prison College Program, in partnership with Caldwell University, allows participants to earn bachelor's degrees in liberal studies. The program aims to provide inmates with the academic and practical skills necessary to overcome systemic barriers and eventually succeed in their lives post-incarceration.

Another service offered at Stateville Correctional Center is vocational training. Inmates can receive vocational certifications in fields such as welding, carpentry, and culinary arts. These programs help inmates develop marketable skills that they may use in the workforce upon release. Additionally, various self-help and support groups exist, addressing topics such as anger management, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and criminal thinking. These groups aim to help inmates deal with personal struggles they may face while in prison and equip them with the tools to prevent future criminal behavior.

Stateville Correctional Center has various faith-based programs and chaplaincy services available to inmates, serving various religious backgrounds. The Second Chance program is another initiative from the prison, working with inmates nearing the end of their sentence. It provides participants who have demonstrated discipline, motivation, and progress, opportunities for employment partnerships upon release, allowing them to acclimate into society with a better chance of success. Overall, Stateville Correctional Center strives to improve the outcomes of its incarcerated population through diverse programming, aimed at improving inmates'